Ruth's Red Japanese Maple

Ruth's Red Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum 'Ruth's Red')

Ruth's Red Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum 'Ruth's Red') is a striking red-leafed cultivar known for its rich coloration and upright, well-branched structure. Emerging in spring with deep maroon-red foliage, the leaves retain their color well into summer, especially in cooler climates or with partial shade. As the seasons shift, fall brings a brilliant scarlet display, making this tree a dynamic focal point from spring through autumn.

Distinctive Features

'Ruth's Red' features broad, five-lobed leaves with a finely serrated edge and a deep red tone that holds through most of the growing season. Its dense, upright growth habit creates a formal silhouette, reaching 10 to 12 feet tall and 6 to 8 feet wide in 10 to 15 years. Its ability to maintain strong red tones without fading makes it a standout among red-leafed cultivars.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Best in partial shade; morning sun with afternoon protection helps preserve foliage color and reduce leaf scorch.
• Soil: Well-drained, slightly acidic, organically rich soil.
• Water: Moderate; keep soil consistently moist, especially during dry periods.
• Humidity: Average humidity preferred; avoid overly exposed, windy sites.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5�8; hardy in most temperate zones with proper site selection.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point Plantings: Strong color and form make it ideal for featured positions in the garden.
• Foundation Plantings: Adds bold foliage color near entryways or against neutral building materials.
• Woodland Borders: Pairs beautifully with green and gold-leafed companions.
• Japanese Gardens: Complements stone, water, and evergreen elements with vibrant seasonal color.
• Small Landscapes: Upright form is well-suited for narrow planting areas or vertical accents.

Low Maintenance Care

'Ruth's Red' is easy to maintain with minimal pruning and routine watering. Its upright structure stays neat without heavy intervention.

• Watering: Water deeply and regularly during the first few years to establish a strong root system.
• Pruning: Light shaping in late winter or early spring; remove dead or crossing branches as needed.
• Fertilizing: Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring for healthy growth.
• Pest and Disease Resistance: Generally resistant to common pests and diseases when planted in well-drained soil.
• Winter Care: Mulch around the base to insulate roots and retain moisture through the cold months.

Why Choose Ruth's Red Japanese Maple?

With rich, long-lasting color and a compact, upright form, Ruth's Red offers visual impact and year-round structure with minimal care requirements.

• Vivid Red Foliage: Maintains color longer than many red-leafed cultivars.
• Upright Growth Habit: Perfect for tight spaces or vertical design needs.
• Excellent Fall Color: Deep red foliage shifts to bright scarlet in autumn.
• Low Maintenance: Easy-care tree with naturally tidy form and strong structure.
• Versatile Landscape Use: Suitable for formal gardens, woodland edges, or accent placements.

For a bold presence and vibrant seasonal color, Ruth's Red Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum 'Ruth's Red') is a reliable and showy choice in any landscape design.